Planning a holiday? Save on your electricity consumption and save more for your trip.

‘Tis the season for long vacations and before you book that holiday, how about reviewing your electricity bills. The key to a hassle-free break starts with simply, reducing your energy consumption. Big energy guzzlers like air-conditioners, lighting, washing machines, clothes dryers, refrigerators and water heaters easily consume up to 70% of your monthly electricity bill so it’s smart to look at how to reduce costs and put those savings into a well-deserved holiday.

Let’s start with air-conditioners. Granted, here in Singapore, we can’t do without it but setting the thermostat at frost-bite levels like how it is at some offices, cinemas and shopping malls just isn’t necessary. Try turning it up by 2 degrees and watch your electricity bill fall to more manageable levels. Of course, it also pays to use energy-efficient models. Look for the Energy Star label and you’ll be on your way to paying a lot less each month on your electricity use.

With lighting, it’s as simple as switching it off when you don’t need it. Come on, do you honestly need that many fluorescent lights turned on the whole night? If you do, consider switching to energy-efficient bulbs or change to LED lamps or Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL) bulbs. You can even change your lighting to include dimmers or motion detectors to control lighting in frequently unoccupied areas. There’s also plenty of natural lighting here in Singapore, so no excuses to not rely on daylight.

Then there are washing machines and dryers. Choose a front-loading washing machine with an Energy Star label—these consume just a quarter of the electricity and water of a top-loading washing machine! Imagine that! Also, is there any reason to use hot water to wash your clothes when warm and cold water will do the trick perfectly well. And then there are dryers. Think about it: Singapore, sunshine 365 days a year. Hmmm…

With refrigerators, do you know that if you’re not using an energy-efficient model (where have you been?) your refrigerator’s consumption will make up 15% of your electricity bill! It’s the second largest energy guzzler after air-conditioning. If you already have an Energy Star model, bravo! But set it to just three or four degrees Celcius. And if like your ice cubes on demand, you should know that ice makers effectively double your refrigerator’s power consumption.

Now let’s look at the potential savings:

Hope these tips give you some good ideas on how to save electricity. Now you can pack your bags and use those savings for a well-deserved break!

For even greater savings, switch to an electricity retailer. With the launch of the Open Electricity Market (OEM), you can now power your home your way, and save up to 20% off the regulated tariff. Compare energy prices easily and purchase plans that best meet your consumption needs with Electrify. Visit ELECTRIFY.SG now or get in touch with us at hello@electrify.sg to find out more.